Supporters

Supporters Groups

Section 8

Chicago Fire supporters' groups mostly occupy an area in TOYOTA PARK known as "Section 8" stemming from its original location at pre-renovated Soldier Field. The name has stuck, despite changing stadiums and section numbers. At TOYOTA PARK Section 8's physical section numbers are 117/118. Fire supporters are well known domestically for their non-stop chanting, colorful tifo displays and undying support of the club - showing a spirit and devotion typically associated with fans of large clubs worldwide.

Section 8 Chicago, the Independent Supporters' Association (ISA) for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, works on behalf of all fans - affiliated supporters' groups and independent fans alike - to foster a true soccer community. The vision of the ISA is, "To unite all Chicago Fire fans, to create a dominant in-stadium force unseen in any American team sport and to establish a home field advantage whenever the Chicago Fire play.

The ISA exists to supplement the efforts of independent fans, coordinate between the supporters groups and act as liaison between all fans and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. As a non-profit organization, a board of directors is elected yearly at the Annual General Meeting in February by the assembled supporters.

In 2008 the ISA had an operating budget of just over $100,000, using money raised and donated to offer discounted road trip packages to encourage fans to support the team away from TOYOTA PARK, produce section related merchandise, pay for in-stadium tifo displays and made considerable charitable donations as platinum donors to FWFK and Nothing But Nets.

Media note: Delineation should be made between "Section 8 Chicago" (the ISA) and "Section 8" (the physical section supporters occupy on match days).

Blitzer Mob

Husaria

Named after the "Winged Hussars" elite knights of the Polish Army between the 16th and 18th century; Husaria is a predominantly Polish group of Fire supporters organized at the end of the 08' season Dedicated to support the Chicago Fire in the style of the European Ultras.

Fire Ultras 98

Fire Ultras 98 is a group of Polish fans, both recent immigrants and transplanted natives, dedicated to supporting the Chicago Fire Soccer Club in the traditional "ultras" style common in their home country and across Europe. Established in 1998, FU98 members known for their harder edge in support of the Fire at home and away; identifiable by their orange jackets, scarfs, large banners, and fervent vocal and visual support.

Ultras Red-Side

Formed in 2003, inspired by FU98 to bring the ultras spirit to fans of other nationalities and formally introduced the European concept of organized visual support (referred to as "tifo") to Section 8.